Visa, residence permission and work model
Digital nomad is a useful label, but the actual legal document depends on the destination. Portugal separates a temporary-stay route from a residence visa followed by a residence-permit application. Spain provides an international-teleworker visa and a separate residence authorisation for qualifying third-country nationals. An employed remote worker and an independent professional may need different evidence and have different rules for local work.
Two examples with different conditions
| Question | Portugal | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Which permission? | D8 residence visa; subsequent residence permit is a separate AIMA step. A temporary-stay remote-work route also exists. | International-teleworker visa or residence authorisation under Law 14/2013. |
| Employee or independent? | Work contract/employer declaration, or the listed independent-activity evidence. | Both models have specific conditions. Employees work only for companies outside Spain; local professional activity is limited to 20% of total activity. |
| Income evidence? | D8 residence-visa application: average previous-three-month income of four minimum monthly remunerations. With the 2026 €920 reference: €3,680/month by calculation. | Confirm the current financial evidence and amount with the competent Spanish consulate or international-teleworker authority. |
| Visa versus residence duration? | Residence visa: four months/two entries, during which the holder applies for a residence permit. Temporary stay: less than one year. | Visa: up to one year; residence authorisation: up to three years. A shorter work period can shorten validity. |
Portugal: confirm the D8 income assessment
The D8 checklist asks for average monthly income over the previous three months of at least four minimum monthly guaranteed remunerations and proof of tax residence. The portal’s 2026 reference amount is €920; 4 × €920 gives €3,680/month. The D8 wording does not settle gross-versus-net assessment. Ask the competent consulate how it assesses your work evidence, income and any accompanying family members.
Spain: your employment model matters
Spain’s international-teleworker route concerns qualifying third-country nationals performing work remotely for businesses abroad. Employees can work only for companies outside Spain. For independent professional activity, work for a Spanish company cannot exceed 20% of total professional activity. The business must have real continuous activity for at least one year, and the employment or commercial relationship must already exist for at least three months before applying. Qualification or relevant experience and the general statutory requirements also apply.
Prepare before comparing routes
Identify your nationality/current residence, work model, employer or client locations, intended stay and family plans. Gather evidence of the remote relationship, income period and relevant documents. Check fees, procedure, tax/social-security obligations, insurance and family conditions on the official page for that exact route. These examples do not establish personal eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Is a digital-nomad visa the same as a residence permit?
Check the country and document. Portugal’s residence visa is valid for four months and two entries, during which its holder applies to AIMA for a residence permit. Spain’s international-teleworker visa can last up to one year, while its separate residence authorisation can last up to three years, with shorter periods where applicable.
What income does Portugal’s D8 require in 2026?
The residence-visa checklist requires average monthly income over the previous three months of at least four minimum monthly remunerations. Using the MNE portal’s €920 reference for 2026 gives 4 × €920 = €3,680/month. The D8 checklist does not specify gross versus net assessment; confirm the assessment and supporting documents with the competent consulate.
Can an employee and a freelancer use the same evidence?
Portugal lists different work evidence: a work contract or employer declaration for employees; a company/services contract or evidence of services for independent activity. Spain also distinguishes employment from professional activity and asks for evidence that the relationship can be performed remotely.
Can I work for a local client in Spain?
Under Spain’s international-teleworker rules, employees may work only for companies outside Spain. Independent professional activity for a company in Spain is permitted only up to 20% of the applicant’s total professional activity. Other application requirements still apply.
What should I check for tax and family plans?
Check tax residence, social security, insurance and the separate family procedure with the competent authorities for your exact route. Do not assume that immigration permission itself establishes a tax benefit, automatic family admission or permanent residence.
Official sources and review scope
Primary-source check: 4 October 2026 · AI-assisted editorial review for this page. This is not an independent professional opinion.
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